This is just a hypothetical post about how the coming season is developing and what might happen. The 'Summer Transfer thread' is seeing a lot of posts, abut the situation, so it might be an idea to discuss what people think, we'll see ... ... my thoughts and guesses, about the captaincy, are that I think Dan Neil would happily give it up if he was asked. I don't think he ever looked comfortable with it and perhaps his closeness to Sunderland and the city makes it difficult for him to be detached. He may welcome being able to concentrate on his game. Now that we have half the team speaking French I feel it'll be slightly more difficult for him. My clear choice, if it comes to it, would be Le Fée by a distance. Ballard may not play enough games, Hume is too quiet at the moment and I really can't picture anyone else in the role. Le Fée seems to be RLB's right hand man, he'll play regularly imo and speaks both languages well. Above all though, he has the temperament and central position that makes his ideal. I think his commitment in coming to Sunderland shows he's up for the job, but that's total guesswork. I've no idea how many 'foreign' captains we've had, if any, and would that be another big change in a season of changes?
Leadership group of Neil, O'Nien, and Hume. Whoever's on the pitch is captain, priority in the order above.
The very infectious Onions should definitely be 'club captain' and, unfortunately, I don't expect Dan to play enough to remain as captain, so with Enzo being Reggie's 'right hand man' I'm expecting him to be given the honour p.s. I bet that you didn't expect the negativity above to come so quickly, Smug
I'd like to see Neil staying and step up. Not sure it is likely to happen but it's certainly my hope. Staying in the premier league would be all the sweeter if we were to do it with those two lads as integral parts of the club.
Even if they play well? Strange comment considering you’ve seen neither play in the prem! Just assuming and chucking in your usual “he’s ****” without actually saying the words!
O'Nien will remain as club captain. The on pitch captain will be Neil or Ballard (both have had the armband in pre season), if Neil leaves then it'll go to the next player in the leadership group.
Hume would've been my first choice until I heard him interviewed on the pitch at Wembley ... ... I could barely understand him tbh, the foreign lads wouldn't stand a chance
I'm not sure who is in the leadership group currently but I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes vice-captain and wears the armband when Ballard isn't playing.
09 as club captain, on the pitch Captain will obviously depend on who leaves / comes in but you have to assume Ballard will be Captain
I wonder if Diarra might get added to the leadership group, got praised as captain last season Think the current leadership group is o9 neil ballard Hume - jobe and mepham were in it last season
I think it will be either Hume or Ballard but I agree with Le Fee. Yes he is fairly new but he has a fantastic relationship with RLB. He is multi lingual and his English is quite good so for me it’s a sensible choice given the new lads who have come in
Yeah good point on Diarra. Browne captained PNE for a long time as well so we're not short on leadership ability
During 'water breaks' Le Fée is always close to RLB, and the coaches, then speaking to the players as he takes the pitch again. If I had to choose anyone to explain tactical changes it would be him ... ... I also think he's likely to play more games than the other possible options.
They have never let the club down yet, their capabilities may be tested more in the premier league but they have earned that chance
Luke would be one of the best club captains in the premier league, he is a class act, club captains responsibilities are endless and his infectious dedication to the cause will be crucial in getting the new lads settled. That in itself would help the team massively
